Costco bucks the trend in retail by offering generous return policies, extended warranties, and value-packed bundles for electronics. While many stores shorten return windows and hike gadget prices, Costco reduces the risks of buying pricey tech.
Costco’s Roots in Bulk and Tech
Costco started in 1983 as a warehouse club selling bulk basics. Over time, electronics turned into a key part of its business. In fiscal 2024, the company hit $254.5 billion in global sales, with U.S. stores leading in sales per location.
This size gives Costco strong bargaining power with makers of laptops, TVs, and brands like Apple. The store stocks fewer models but buys them in huge volumes. This keeps inventory simple and prices low. Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand and close ties with suppliers help it stay competitive, even in tough economic times. Electronics now blend this scale with customer-friendly policies.
Smart Pricing, Returns, and Protection
Costco wins on overall value, not just constant sales. In 2025, it often undercuts makers and big retailers, especially with member-only deals and bundles that toss in extras like storage for free or cheap. On high-end gear, these savings add up fast in dollars.
The star feature is the 90-day return window for most electronics, from TVs and laptops to drones and phones. That’s longer than most rivals, and no restocking fees apply. Shoppers spending big can test items at home without worry.
Warranties go further. Many buys come with a free two-year plan, doubling the usual one-year coverage. Members can add Allstate plans up to five years, often cheaper than from the maker. For Apple gear, Costco sells AppleCare+ at lower prices than Apple’s stores, trimming long-term costs.
Top Picks: TVs, Laptops, and Apple Gear
TVs draw big crowds at Costco. Hits like TCL mini-LEDs, LG OLEDs, and Samsung QLEDs often cost less than at other stores. Purchases include extended warranties, and in-store demos let buyers check picture quality and speed. The 90-day returns make big-screen buys feel safer.
Laptops shine too. Discounts hit Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, and Microsoft models, often with bonus RAM or storage not found elsewhere. Microsoft Surface Laptop Copilot+ units have sold hundreds below direct prices, with holiday deals saving up to $500. The two-year warranty appeals to students, home workers, and families upgrading multiple devices.
Apple items get steady cuts. iPads, MacBooks, and add-ons start cheaper, plus discounted AppleCare+. For ecosystem fans, combining hardware and protection saves over $100 per item over two years, with the same official models and coverage.
Bundles Boost Value Across Categories
Costco packs extras into deals beyond main items. PlayStation consoles often include spare controllers at solo-unit prices elsewhere. Families love this instant setup without chasing rare discounts. Monitors target pros and gamers. LG curved ultrawides and dual setups beat specialty shops, with warranties for reliable work tools.
Audio gear like Bose headphones, Samsung soundbars, and speakers sees discounts and bundles with strong protection. This eases buys of premium sound. Phones benefit too. Unlocked Samsung Galaxies and Google Pixels hit promo lows under the 90-day rule. Carrier deals stack on top. Projectors come with accessories for home theater tests. Cameras, drones, tablets, smartwatches, and even MP3 players get the same perks, bundled extras, long returns, and cheap warranties make them low-risk.
Why Costco Stands Out for Shoppers
In 2025’s market, with shorter returns and fee hikes elsewhere, Costco’s steady approach shines. Pricing, warranties, returns, and bundles team up for real protection. Tech buyers eyeing TVs, laptops, phones, or appliances should check Costco. The scale and member perks promise savings and peace of mind as gadgets grow pricier and harder to fix.
Sources
Gizmo CleaningArticle: “Returning Electronics to Costco: Understanding the Return Policy”
LendEDUArticle: “Costco vs. Amazon: Which Is Cheaper?”
Reddit (r/Surface)Article: “Surface Laptop 13.8” with X Plus and 16GB/1TB pre-order on Costco for $100 discounted”